Interaction of Endurance Training and Low-Calorie Diet on Homocysteine Levels and Lipid Profile of Plasma in Males with Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: Lifestyle change through diet and exercise is first line therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with increase in risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training and low calorie diet on levels of homocysteine and plasma lipid profiles in men with NAFLD. Methods: 70 patients with NAFLD [weight 89.6±5.8 , age 39.2±0.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 29.4±1.9 kg/m2] were randomly assigned into four groups(training, diet, combined of training & diet, and control). The endurance training program included moderate intensity training with 55-75% of maximal heart rate for 45 min/session, 3 times/week for 8 weeks. Low calorie diet with an energy deficit of 500 calories of daily energy intake was calculated from 3-day food records of the patients. Blood samples were measured before and after intervention. Homocysteine levels and lipid profiles were measured before and after intervention. Results: Fifty out of the 70 of the participants completed the trial. There were no serious adverse effects. Result exhibited that interaction of endurance training and low calorie diet decrese blood LDL-C (P=0.001), TG (P=0.006), TC (P=0.011) and homocysteine (P=0.001), whereas increased HDL-C (P=0.001) levels significantly. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that endurance training and low calorie diet interventions are effectiveness in reducing lipid profile and homocysteine levels among patients with NAFLD. However, combined interventions specifically improves NAFLD and has a better effect.